Position Summary

The Rapid Rehousing Stabilization Specialist is responsible for providing rapid placement and stabilization of households who have experienced homelessness into safe, decent, and affordable housing. This position serves as a key liaison for the Rental Subsidy Program and provides housing support, crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy for clients. The Rapid Rehousing Stabilization Specialist provides trauma-informed services, linking the individual to essential resources to increase their safety, stability and empowerment. This position is responsible for intake and assessment services, housing location services, and conducts follow-up as specified in the individual client service plan, and as needed by funder's requirements.

This position reports to the Housing Stabilization Manager. This is a Hybrid position with onsite work conducted at Congreso's main office, within the community, and/or a client's home.

The Rapid Rehousing Stabilization Specialist applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision.  We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ , and women to apply.   Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions listed below.

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
• Conducts initial client intake including needs assessment and the development of an action plan, regular follow-up with clients to measure and ensure goal attainment and client satisfaction. 
• Establishes and maintains relationships with realtors, landlords, and financial institutions to locate accommodations for clients as needed, as well as relationships with other human services providers, community, and the public.
• Conducts home visits and home inspections.
• Provides a holistic approach by linking clients to services leading to self-sufficiency using PCM principles. 
• Assists clients to fill out Crisis, LIHEAP applications and counsels them on any energy related issues. 
• Documents each service provided in Congreso’s internal database. Maintains client’s records and documents all contacts with clients in the database. 
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date client files and regularly attends and actively participates in case reviews, case consultations with medical case managers programs, etc.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of referral resources for clients. 
• Develops statistical and narrative reports  to assist the program manager and/or program director in preparing reports or proposals to funders. 
• Conducts all phases of housing education/advocacy and counseling, under the program director’s supervision. 
• Collaborates with the program manager and/or program director in the development and/or refinement of data collection systems. 
• Assists other housing counselors, when needed or assigned by the program manager. 
• Works closely with all programmatic divisions to create a pathway for clients to achieve economic stability and independence.   

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

All Staff Competencies

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills a plus. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Minimum Experience, Education, and Qualifications

Minimum Education: 

Bachelor's Degree in a related field required. 

Minimum Experience: 

2-3 years’ direct experience with housing counseling advocacy and child welfare system or related field, with a focus on special needs populations. 

Certification/License:  

Housing Counseling and Housing Quality Standard certifications required and may be completed post hire.

Mandated Reporter and Supporting Children and Families with Disabilities Training certifications required and may be completed post hire.